Weddingbee was priceless during our planning. With very few girlfriends in Switzerland, I had a place in the hive to share the overwhelming excitement of planning. I will honestly miss sharing our stories with you, reading about your experiences and listening to your advice.

The hive inspired many details for our wedding, but it also inspired me personally. You see, I never really received a lot of beauty tips from my mother. She has nine kids, a short haircut and no time for or interest in makeup. She was busy doing a great job taking care of us instead of worrying about beauty matters!

At a family dinner in Brazil a few weeks before getting engaged in 2010

I feel like I have learned more in a year here than I did during my entire puberty. You guys taught me so much!

I bought makeup brushes. I got contact lenses. I learned how to do eye makeup. I’ve read and tested many hair style ideas. And you know what? People notice.

I have gotten more compliments on my makeup, hair and general appearance than I have in my entire life.

Post-weddingbee beauty on regular work days.

Some may think it’s shallow, but I feel more grown up. I feel like I know how to take care of myself (new skincare regimen!) and look my personal best thanks to the hive. And when I receive compliments about how nice I look because someone noticed that I’m doing something different…well that just makes my day!

Mr. Funnel Cake loves me for who I am, but he is also enjoying when I take a bit more time for “me.” And when I go to work and out socializing I am more confident and I feel like a stronger woman.

So thanks, bees. Thank you for sharing your ideas and experiences so I can learn about this feminine side of life.

If you want to catch up on my archives, please check out my weddingbee Wiki here.

If you’re inclined, find out about our post wedding life at my blog, The Swiss Life or what I’m up to in photography at katiehelfenberger.com. In the mean time, I’ll go back to lurking here, but I promise to pop in if I have anything wedding related to share!

I love your story, it’s a crazy international love story like mine American girl meets a German boy in Australia… it’s always hard to explain to people sometimes right? Best of luck and I love your makeup tips.

You will certainly be missed. You were my favorite bee. I absolutely loved reading everything leading up to your wedding and, all of your wonderful recaps. Thanks for sharing your beautiful wedding with us.